Rafting Trip Sponsored By Park And Rec

Town vice mayor Tim Fruth, also a Payson High School assistant principal, took advantage of spring break by taking his daughter, Jordan, on an Upper Salt River rafting trip.

"We had a ball," Tim Fruth said.

Both agree the recreational opportunity was an exciting one they would like to do again.

For those who also would enjoy such an adventure, the Payson Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a rafting jaunt on April 14.

Registration, which is $120, is on a first-come, first-served basis and is nonrefundable after April 4. Participants must be at least seven years of age. The trip is nine miles in length, over Class II to IV rapids on the Upper Salt.

The rafters will depart from the Parks and Recreation office at Green Valley Park about 6 a.m. and return around 8 p.m.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Salt, the rafting span sits on the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau on the White Mountain Apache Reservation between Globe and Show Low.

The 2,000-foot-deep rock canyon features dazzling biological diversity and scenery unique to the area including blooming cactus, granite walls, oak-juniper woodlands and desert wildflowers.

Some call the Salt River Canyon a mini Grand Canyon.

The Salt rapids drop an average of 25 feet per mile over 50 miles through rock, and mostly inaccessible canyons.

The scenic riverside campsites are accessible only by raft.

Fruth and his daughter were told that as the spring season wears on, the rafting will become even more thrilling due to the large runoffs expected from the White Mountain snow melt.

For more information about the upcoming town-sponsored trip, call (928) 474-5242, ext. 7.

Women tee off

A pair of preseason organizational luncheons will mark the beginning of Payson Women's Golf Association nine- and 18-hole groups play.

The Lady Niners luncheon and meeting is set for 11:30 a.m., March 27 at the Crosswinds restaurant.

"Current members and new members are welcome at the luncheon," Lady Niner Ann Adams said.

The PWGA 18-hole group held its kick-off brunch at 9 a.m. today, Tuesday, at the Mazatzal Casino.

The regular season for the 18-hole group begins April 1 at Payson Golf Course. Follow-up tournaments will be held each Tuesday of the month.

Those who did not attend the kick-off brunch may join the 18-hole group by calling Joyce Goff at (928) 474-4638.

The Lady Niners tee it up for the first time this season April 3 at PGC.

Once the season begins, the Lady Niners play each Thursday morning until October.

At the end of each month, the members meet for an awards banquet during which the outstanding players are cited.

But it's not just the most accomplished players who take pleasure in the nine-hole sport.

"Don't let that nasty slice prevent you from coming out to the links to enjoy the great outdoors and camaraderie," Adams said.

"The Niners are a great group of women of all ages and skill levels."

Those wishing to attend the luncheon should make reservations by calling Adams at (928) 468-6686 or (602) 540-7526.

Reservations can also be made by calling Anita at (928) 474-3444 or (623) 978-3432.

Those who wish to participate with the Lady Niners this season, but cannot attend preseason luncheon, should call Adams or Anita for information on how to join.